Alleged sex offender dies in custody

Waikeria Prison near Te Awamutu. File photo / NZ Herald

A man facing sexual assault charges was found dead while in custody at Waikato's Waikeria Prison last night.

The 33-year-old was pronounced dead when ambulance staff arrived a short time later, said prison manager Kevin Smith.

An ambulance spokesperson said they were called to a medical emergency at the prison about 9.45pm.

The man's death was not being treated as suspicious and had been referred to the Coroner.

The incident would also be investigated by the Independent Corrections Inspectorate, which is monitored by the Office of the Ombudsmen, Mr Smith said.

Police would not confirm whether the deceased was the 33-year-old Hamilton man who appeared in court last week accused of abducting and sexually assaulting men in the central city.

He faced 10 charges, including two counts of abduction and four counts of sexual violation.

A third complaint was made today in connection with another alleged attack in Hamilton on November 1.

- NZPA